Chapter 4

I let out a bitter laugh.

It looked like my silent treatment had really driven him crazy this time.

For once, he did not pull any dramatic stunts. He simply let me go.

I shook my head. At least that made things easier.

After handling my resignation, I pulled a divorce agreement out from the drawer.

Julian signed it a few days before leaving for that trip.

Back then, I placed the papers in front of him, but he did not even bother reading them before signing.

I asked with surprise, “Did you even read what you signed?”

Julian looked up at me with a gentle smile.

“There’s no need. I trust you. You’d never hurt me.”

My heart skipped a beat as I met his affectionate gaze. For a moment, I thought there was still a place for me in his heart.

I was just about to speak when Vivian suddenly pushed the office door open.

“Didn’t we agree to watch a movie? Why are you still working? I’m counting to three. If you don’t come out now, I’m leaving.”

Julian hated being rushed. Even when I asked him something in a soft tone, he would lose his temper.

However, when Vivian yelled at him, not only did he stay calm, he actually smiled and rushed toward her.

“It’s my fault, my fault. Please don’t be mad…”

That was when I realized Julian did not sign the papers because he trusted me. He signed them so quickly because he was in a hurry to go watch a movie with Vivian.

After five years of marriage, my place in his heart still could not compare to that of a mere secretary.

How pathetic.

I lowered my gaze.

Since he no longer loved me, then I would set him free.

Holding the divorce papers, I headed straight to the courthouse.

“Ma’am, I need to confirm that your relationship has truly broken down before we can process the divorce.”

I nodded and pulled out my phone to call Julian.

I already knew he was furious and would not answer.

Just as expected, after the call was rejected more than ten times, the staff approved the application and stamped the papers.

By afternoon, we got divorced.

I called and told Lucas about my divorce.

He was overjoyed and insisted on dropping everything at work to come pick me up.

At first, I wanted to say it was not necessary.

However, when I heard the excitement in his voice, I could not bring myself to reject his kindness, so I drove home immediately. I was going to get my stuff and wait for him.

The moment I reached the front door, I heard bursts of laughter coming from inside.

…

I quietly pushed the door open a crack.

Julian and Vivian, who were supposedly still on vacation, had already returned.

The house was filled with colorful balloons.

A ten-tier birthday cake sat beside the dining table.

Vivian wore a birthday hat, smiling brightly.

“Julian, I heard you’ve never even celebrated Lydia’s birthday before. I’m really honored.”

Julian waved dismissively and replied nonchalantly, “She’s just some country girl. What’s the point of celebrating her birthday? It’s a total waste of money.

“You’re different. You gave up time with your family to celebrate with us. We’re the honored ones.”

My hand froze on the doorknob.

Even though I had already given up on him, my chest still tightened painfully hearing those words.

For five years of marriage, every birthday of mine had conveniently coincided with one of his business trips.

He always claimed he had a bad memory and promised to make it up to me the following year.

I believed him.

Only now did I finally understand that he simply thought I was not worth celebrating.

I did not walk in.

They never noticed me standing outside.

Julian’s friends laughed as they handed Vivian gifts, all while talking behind my back.

“Lydia’s seriously useless. She eats off Julian, lives off Julian, and still can’t even handle simple work problems. He had to cut his vacation short just to come back and fix things himself. If I were him, I’d divorce her already.”

“Whether it’s in terms of family background or ability, she’s not even comparable to one of Vivian’s toes.”

“Julian, I think Vivian likes you too. Why don’t you two just get together already?”

Julian pressed his lips together before replying vaguely, “Forget it! She’s been with me since the beginning. It wasn’t easy for her either. If I dumped my wife now, people would talk.”

It sounded like he was defending me.

However, he never once mentioned that over ninety percent of the company’s contracts had been secured by me.

What did they mean by him supporting me?

The truth was the exact opposite.I was the one supporting him and the entire company.